Alva Burdick Franks

1940 - 2025

Alva Burdick Franks October 28, 1940 - January 29, 2025 Alva Burdick Franks, 84, of Batesville, AR passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

She was born October 28, 1940 in Graham, Texas to Roy and Nettie (McGrew)Burdick.

Alva was a graduate of 1959 Graham High School. She completed her education at Hardin Simmons University in Abilene Tx which is where she met her husband of 56 years, Freddy F. Franks.

Alva was a kind woman who served along aside her husband in many churches throughout Texas and Louisiana.

She was and excellent cook who enjoyed sewing, working crossword puzzles, and watching home improvement series. She loved listening to Sunday morning church service via the internet and was a member of First Baptist Church in Minden, LA. Alva worked in childcare most of her life and delighted in helping her daughter with school productions and costuming for her musicals. She also enjoyed bird watching, especially hummingbirds.

Survivors include one daughter, Dawn Franks Harris (Dr. John) of Batesville; daughter-in-law, Dr. Caroline Raines Franks of Greensboro, North Carolina and one sister, Barbara Burdick Black of China Springs, Texas; a grandson, Manning Franks (Kimmie); three granddaughters, Farrelle Franks, Ashlyn Harris and Haidyn Harris and several nieces, nephews and special friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one precious son, Duane Franks; two brothers, Clyott Burdick and Don Burdick and three sisters, Glenda Burdick, Mildred B. Smith and Wanda B. Hobbs.

A memorial service will be held on March 29th, at First Baptist Church Minden, LA in the Chapel. Burial will be in Tuscaloosa, AL next to her husband.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Hope Refuge, 10 Bell Grove Rd, Batesville, AR, 72501.